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Below is a family biography included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM DAVIS, farmer and stock-raiser, was born January 25, 1828, in Hamilton County, Ohio, being the eldest of nine children born to David and Mary (Coon) Davis, who were natives of the same county as our subject. In 1838 the family removed to Spencer County, Ind., settling in Grass Township, where they endured many of the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer life. Wild game was abundant, and it was no uncommon occurrence in those days for some one of the family to open the door in the morning and with the ever ready gun, shoot a deer from the doorstep, thus having fresh venison for breakfast. William remained at home with his parents until twenty-two years of age, receiving only such education as the primitive time afforded. November 15, 1849, he married Dorcas, daughter of Charles Mclntire, one of the earliest settlers of Spencer County, and farming has always been his occupation. He resides on the old homestead, and is the owner of 140 acres of well-improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among the township’s best citizens. Mr. Davis is a stanch Democrat in politics. Annually he takes a hunting excursion to Arkansas, and has there become the hero of numerous exploits, and has had several narrow escapes from serious disaster.

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This family biography is one of 344 biographies included in The History of Spencer County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Spencer County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Spencer County, Indiana family biographies here: Spencer County, Indiana Biographies

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